"That's a different matter. Images can fade. Sounds and smells disappear from our memory. But our heart forgets nothing. A child's soul knows everything."
A WELL TEMPERED HEART
Jan Phillip Sendker
When we are in our early non-verbal years, we observe the actions of those around us (including movies and TV) and we easily hear the tone of voices. We lack, however, the understanding of intentions. We do not readily understand harsh voices or aggressive actions. Our observations lacking interpretation can create anxiety and fear. Without a way to process our emotions, they can become repressed and hidden even from ourselves.
Later in life, we can smell a fragrance that instantly reminds us of a person or place. Maybe it is our mother's hand lotion or the scent from a grandparent's home. We might hear a child calling for his or her mother, and we are reminded of our own children or a time when we were small.
Within us, we carry many associations. Some are lovely and heartfelt while others prompt unidentified uneasiness. We might even be introduced to someone with a certain color of hair or a specific uniform that triggers a negative response.
Automatic reactions cannot always be explained, but they are certainly based in previous experience whether as observer or participant. We may take an immediate liking to a stranger, as they may remind us of someone we previously knew or just the opposite, feeling totally resistant for no apparent reason.
Our memories may fade, but all of our senses remember past data that can influence present behavior. We may even catch ourselves over reacting to a situation. "Where did that come from," we might ask ourselves.
So the importance of this is to remember to be patient with ourselves and with others when sudden responses seem 'out of left field'. Something has just stimulated a recall from our heart or perhaps our soul.
When we are in our early non-verbal years, we observe the actions of those around us (including movies and TV) and we easily hear the tone of voices. We lack, however, the understanding of intentions. We do not readily understand harsh voices or aggressive actions. Our observations lacking interpretation can create anxiety and fear. Without a way to process our emotions, they can become repressed and hidden even from ourselves.
Later in life, we can smell a fragrance that instantly reminds us of a person or place. Maybe it is our mother's hand lotion or the scent from a grandparent's home. We might hear a child calling for his or her mother, and we are reminded of our own children or a time when we were small.
Within us, we carry many associations. Some are lovely and heartfelt while others prompt unidentified uneasiness. We might even be introduced to someone with a certain color of hair or a specific uniform that triggers a negative response.
Automatic reactions cannot always be explained, but they are certainly based in previous experience whether as observer or participant. We may take an immediate liking to a stranger, as they may remind us of someone we previously knew or just the opposite, feeling totally resistant for no apparent reason.
Our memories may fade, but all of our senses remember past data that can influence present behavior. We may even catch ourselves over reacting to a situation. "Where did that come from," we might ask ourselves.
So the importance of this is to remember to be patient with ourselves and with others when sudden responses seem 'out of left field'. Something has just stimulated a recall from our heart or perhaps our soul.
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